Communication apparatus, communication system, and method for setting communication parameters of the communication apparatus

ABSTRACT

A device capability attribute regarding a setting on communication parameters, and provision attribute information indicative of whether or not a communication terminal is in a state that it can provide communication parameters to another communication terminal are stored in advance. The communication terminal, where the device capability attribute has at least a provision capability of the communication parameters, is selected as a provision device. In a case where there are plural communication terminals where the device capability attribute has a communication parameter provision capability, a communication terminal where the device capability attribute has the communication parameter provision capability only is preferentially selected. In a case where the device capability attributes of respective communication terminals are equal, a communication terminal storing the provision attribute information indicative of the state that it can provide the communication parameters is selected as a provision device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a communication apparatus, acommunication system, and a method for setting communication parametersof the communication apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is an increasing demand for changing wired data transmission towireless data transmission. The use of wireless communication hasalready started in communications between a digital still camera(hereinafter referred to as a DSC) and peripheral devices such as aprinter. The adoption of such wireless communication eliminates thenecessity of cable installation and increases flexibility in settinglocations of respective devices, thus improving portability.

In the IEEE 802.11 standard, there are two communication modes forcommunication between plural wireless terminals: the Infrastructure modewhere communication is performed through a base station (access point,hereinafter referred to as an AP); and an Adhoc mode where wirelessterminals directly communicate with each other without an intermediationof a particular AP.

Described hereinafter with reference to the drawings is, in particular,a connection method of wireless communication devices in theconventional Adhoc mode (a direct communication mode in which eachdevice directly communicates each other without using a relay station).

FIG. 1 depicts a view showing as an example a construction of a wirelesscommunication system where data transmission in the Adhoc mode isperformed.

In FIG. 1, DSCs 101 to 104 and printers 105 and 106 respectively have awireless communication function. In the wireless communication function,each device takes turns to generate at random a signal called “Beacon”,which notifies the peripheral wireless terminals of informationnecessary for the wireless communication, to realize synchronization,thereby enabling data transmission between DSCs, or between a DSC andthe printer 105 or 106 using wireless communication means.

FIG. 2 depicts an explanatory view of a network connection method in theAdhoc mode.

Hereinafter, a description on an Adhoc network establishing method isdescribed, assuming that the same Adhoc wireless communicationparameters are set in advance in the printer 105 and the DSC 101 shownin FIG. 1. First, the power of the wireless communication unit of theprinter 105 is turned on. The printer 105 then searches for an Adhocnetwork that has been constructed based on Adhoc wireless parameters setin advance (S201). The search method includes: searching for a “Beacon”signal, or broadcasting a control signal called a “Probe Request” andwaiting for a response to the “Probe Request,” and the like. Herein, thelatter method is adopted. The printer 105 broadcasts the “Probe Request”and waits for a response. In this example, an Adhoc network beingsearched does not exist. Therefore, even if the printer 105 transmitsthe “Probe Request” a predetermined number of times, the printer 105cannot receive any “Probe Response.” Therefore, the printer establishesa network by itself and starts transmitting the “Beacon” (S202).

Next, when the power of the wireless communication unit of the DSC 101is turned on, the DSC 101 transmits, similarly to the printer 105, a“Probe Request” to search for an Adhoc network constructed based onAdhoc wireless parameters set in advance (S203). In this stage, thenetwork being searched by the DSC 101 has already been established bythe printer 105. Therefore, the DSC 101 receives a “Probe Response” fromthe printer 105 (S204). The DSC 101 which has received the “ProbeResponse” acquires synchronized information and the like of the networkthat has been established by the printer 105, thereby realizingconnection with the network (S205).

Next, in the construction shown in FIG. 1, a conventional method ofsearching, by a DSC, a data-transmission target printer is described inthe flowchart of FIG. 3. Described herein is an example in which a newDSC is brought in to be connected to a printer (e.g., the printer 105)in an existing Adhoc wireless LAN communication system.

Referring to FIG. 3, in a case where a DSC is connected to a printer,first, a Service Set Identifier (SSID) is set in the DSC in step S301.In step S302, an encryption key is set, as needed, to prevent tapping inwireless communication. In step S303, an Adhoc mode is set as a wirelesscommunication mode. In step S304, a device on the wireless network issearched. In step S305, a desired printer (herein, printer 105) isselected from the devices on the wireless network and wirelesscommunication is established between the DSC and the printer.

The above-described method enables connection between the DSC and theprinter 105 through wireless communication and enables direct image datatransmission from the DSC to the printer 105 for printing. In this case,some kind of method is necessary to set the setting informationnecessary for wireless communication in both the DSC and the printer105. The method includes, for instance, registering in advance an SSIDand an encryption key in the printer 105 or the DSC before productshipping, and connecting the DSC to the printer 105 using a USB cable toset the SSID and encryption key in the DSC. The control processing ofthe printer 105 in this case is shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4.

First in step S401, the printer 105 is connected to the DSC using a USBcable. In step S402, the printer 105 transmits a request command todetermine whether or not the DSC comprises wireless communication means.In step S403, if the printer 105 does not receive any response from theDSC after an elapse of predetermined time period after the step S402, itdetermines that the DSC connected has no wireless communication means,and the control ends. If a response is received, the control proceeds tostep S404 for confirming the contents of the response, and then it isdetermined whether or not the DSC comprises wireless communicationmeans. If it is determined that the DSC does not comprise wirelesscommunication means, the control ends. If it is determined that the DSCcomprises wireless communication means in the step S04, the controlproceeds to step S405, and the wireless communication settinginformation of the printer 105 is transmitted to the DSC.

The above-described method enables setting of the common settinginformation necessary for wireless communication in both the printer 105and the DSC, and enables wireless communication between the printer 105and the DSC according to the setting information. Besides, forcommunication means in the Adhoc mode, there is a following techniqueused in a network configured with a master station and a slave station.The slave station transmits a capability value of the slave station tothe master station, and the master station selects a backup master as anext master station candidate based on parameters of respective slavestations. Then, backup master information, which includes an address ofthe selected backup master and synchronized information, is provided tothe respective slave stations. According to this technique, a networkcan reliably be established even if the master station is gone (refer toJapanese Patent Application KOKAI No. 2004-129042).

However, according to the above-described conventional example, thefollowing problem may occur in the method of registering an SSID and anencryption key in a printer before product shipping and connecting theprinter to a DSC using a USB cable to set the SSID and encryption key inthe DSC. More specifically, if a DSC is erroneously connected to theprinter, contrary to user's intention the SSID and encryption key areset in the DSC in accordance with information set in the printer,overwriting the effective SSID and encryption key stored originally inthe DSC.

Furthermore, another problem occurs in the method of registering an SSIDand an encryption key in a DSC before product shipping and connectingthe DSC to a printer using a USB cable to set the SSID and encryptionkey in the printer. That is, each time a DSC is connected to a printer,the printer's SSID and encryption key are changed. Moreover, the settingoperation of wireless parameters is cumbersome to users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is provided to remedy the disadvantages of theabove-described conventional art.

The characteristic of the present invention is to provide a techniquefor simplifying a communication-related setting operation.

According to the present invention, there is provided with acommunication apparatus comprising:

a storage unit configured to store a device capability attributeregarding a setting on communication parameters, and provision attributeinformation indicative of whether or not a terminal is in a state thatit can provide communication parameters to another terminal;

an identifying unit configured to identify the device capabilityattribute and the provision attribute information of a target device;

a first setting unit configured to set in accordance with the provisionattribute information a self device as a provision device for providingthe communication parameters, in a case where it is determined based onthe device capability attribute that the target device has a capabilityas a reception device of the communication parameters; and

a second setting unit configured to set the target device as a provisiondevice, in a case where it is determined based on the device capabilityattribute that the target device does not have a capability as areception device of the communication parameters.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided with amethod of receiving communication parameters via a network from acommunication terminal to set the communication parameters of acommunication apparatus, the method comprising:

a step of storing in a memory a device capability attribute regarding asetting on communication parameters, and provision attribute informationindicative of whether or not a terminal is in a state that it canprovide communication parameters to another terminal;

a step of selecting, as a provision device, a communication terminalwhere the device capability attribute has at least a provisioncapability of the communication parameters;

in a case where there are a plurality of communication terminals wherethe device capability attribute has a provision capability of thecommunication parameters, a step of preferentially selecting, as aprovision device, a communication terminal where the device capabilityattribute has only a provision capability of the communicationparameters; and

in a case where the device capability attributes of the plurality ofcommunication terminals are equal, a step of selecting, as a provisiondevice, a communication terminal storing the provision attributeinformation indicative of a state that it can provide the communicationparameters.

The characteristic of the present invention is achieved by a combinationof features described in independent claims. The dependent claims definefurther advantageous embodiments of the present invention.

Note that the summary of the invention does not list all the necessaryfeatures of the invention. Therefore, a sub-combination of thesefeatures may constitute the invention.

Other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will beapparent from the following description when taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designatethe same or similar parts throughout the figures thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

FIG. 1 depicts a view showing as an example a construction of a wirelesscommunication system where data transmission in an Adhoc mode isperformed;

FIG. 2 depicts an explanatory view of a network connection method in theAdhoc mode;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart describing a conventional search method of adata-transmission target printer from a DSC;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart describing control processing for setting thesetting information necessary for wireless communication in both a DSCand a printer utilizing USB connection;

FIG. 5 depicts a view showing as an example a construction of a wirelesscommunication system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional structure of a DSCaccording to the embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a functional structure of a printeraccording to the embodiment;

FIG. 8 depicts an explanatory view of wireless parameters in a DSC thatare necessary to implement the embodiment;

FIG. 9 depicts an explanatory view of wireless parameters in a printerthat are necessary to implement the embodiment;

FIG. 10 depicts an explanatory view of a wireless parameter settingmethod in a DSC and a printer of the wireless communication systemaccording to the embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart describing determination processing (S1004) ofwireless parameter setting information in a DSC according to theembodiment;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart describing determination processing of wirelessparameter setting information in a printer according to the embodiment;

FIG. 13 depicts a view showing a construction of a wirelesscommunication system comprising two DSCs;

FIG. 14 depicts an explanatory view showing a construction of a wirelesscommunication system comprising two DSCs and a printer;

FIG. 15 depicts an explanatory view of a wireless parameter settingmethod in a DSC and a printer of a wireless communication system (FIG.14) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 16 is a flowchart describing determination processing of a wirelessparameter provision device in a DSC of a communication system accordingto the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described indetail in accordance with the accompanying drawings. Note that thefollowing embodiments do not limit the invention according to theclaims. Further, not all the combination of the features described inthe embodiments is necessarily essential to means of solving the problemaccording to the present invention.

The characteristic point and object common to the following embodimentsare to provide a technique of automatically setting wireless parametersin a digital still camera (DSC) serving as an image sensing apparatus(an image supply device) and in a printer serving as an output apparatusand realizing wireless connection in an Adhoc mode of the IEEE 802.11standard.

First Embodiment

FIG. 5 depicts a view showing as an example a construction of a wirelesscommunication system according to the present embodiment. Herein,wireless data transmission is realized in an Adhoc mode of the IEEE802.11 standard.

A DSC 501, having a wireless communication unit for realizingcommunication in the Adhoc mode of the IEEE 802.11 standard, can performwireless data transmission and reception with a printer, a PC and thelike utilizing this function. A printer 502 also has a similar wirelesscommunication unit. Assume in this embodiment that there is no otherwireless communication apparatus near the DSC 501 and the printer 502according to the first embodiment. Herein, image data sensed by the DSC501 or image data stored in the DSC 501 is wirelessly transmitted to theprinter 502 to be printed. Described hereinafter is an automatic settingmethod of wireless communication parameters (hereinafter referred to asthe parameters) in the DSC 501 and the printer 502 without requiringuser's complicated input operation.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional structure of the DSCaccording to the present embodiment. Note that this structure is commonto each of the following embodiments.

A console 610 is connected to a CPU 615 via a system controller 611.Various signals generated in accordance with user's operation on theconsole 610 are transmitted to the CPU 615 for determining operationcontents of the signals. Note that the console 610 includes various keysand a shutter switch of the DSC 501. An image sensing unit 602 has afunction for photographing an image upon shutter depression. Anoperation of the image sensing unit 602 is controlled by an imagesensing controller 603. A display 606, including a liquid crystaldisplay and LED indicators or a speech output function, displays oroutputs a message to a user. The display 606 is controlled by a displaycontroller 607 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 615. Inaccordance with information such as a menu displayed on the display 606,an operation such as user's selection of a desired operation or the likeis performed in conjunction with the console 610. In other words, thedisplay 606 and the console 610 constitute a user interface (UI) of theDSC 501. A wireless communication controller 604 performs wireless datatransmission and reception. An RF unit 605 performs wireless signaltransmission and reception with other wireless communication devices. Amemory card interface 608 is an interface for connection of a memorycard 609 that stores sensed image data. A USB interface 612 is aninterface for connecting the DSC 501 with an external device through aUSB cable. An audio interface 614 is an interface fortransmitting/receiving audio signals to/from an external device. Theabove-described functional units are controlled by the CPU 615. Aprogram executed by the CPU 615 is stored in a ROM 616 or flash memory613. Data processed by the CPU 615 is written in or read from RAM 617 orthe flash memory 613. The flash memory 613 provides a non-volatilestorage area, where wireless communication setting information isstored. Note that sensed image data is subjected to well-knowncompression and written (stored) in the memory card 609 via the memorycard interface 608.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a functional structure of a printer502 according to the present embodiment. Note that the structure of theprinter is common to each of the following embodiments.

A console 710 is connected to a CPU 715 via a system controller 711.Various signals generated in accordance with user's operation on theconsole 710 are transmitted to the CPU 715 for determining operationcontents of the signals. A print engine 702 prints images on a printingsheet based on image data. An operation of the print engine 702 iscontrolled by a print controller 703. A display 706, including a liquidcrystal display, LED indicators or a speech output function and thelike, displays or outputs various information to a user. The display 706is controlled by a display controller 707. In accordance withinformation such as a menu displayed on the display 706, an operationsuch as user's selection of a desired item or the like is performed incooperation with the console 710. In other words, the display 706 andthe console 710 constitute a user interface (UI) of the printer 701 inthis embodiment. A wireless communication controller 704 performswireless data transmission and reception. An RF unit 705 performswireless signal transmission and reception with other wirelesscommunication devices. A memory card interface 708 is an interface forconnection of a removable memory card 709. By inserting the memory card609 of the DSC 501, it is possible to print image data stored in thememory card 609. A USB interface 712 is an interface for connecting theprinter 502 with an external device via a USB cable. A parallelinterface 714 is an interface for connecting the printer 502 with anexternal device (mainly a host computer) through parallel communication.The above-described functional units are controlled by the CPU 715. Aprogram executed by the CPU 715 is stored in a ROM 716 or flash memory713. Data processed by the CPU 715 is written in or read from a RAM 717or flash memory 713. The flash memory 713 provides a non-volatilestorage area, where wireless communication setting information isstored.

Note that the present embodiment assumes an environment where there isno intermediation of a PC between the DSC 501 and the printer 502 asshown in FIG. 5. Therefore, wireless parameter setting in the DSC 501and the printer 502 via a PC is not assumed herein.

FIG. 8 depicts an explanatory view of wireless parameters in the DSC 501that are necessary to implement the present embodiment. FIG. 9 depictsan explanatory view of wireless parameters in the printer 502 that arenecessary to implement the present embodiment.

The item “Network Mode” specifies the structure of the wireless network:“Infrastructure” or “Adhoc.” Herein an example is given on a case where“Adhoc” is set. “SSID” indicates a network identifier. “CH Number”specifies a channel for a predetermined frequency, and is used only whena self device (self station) constitutes a network in the Adhoc.“Authentication Type” specifies an authentication method to be adoptedwhen a network is set in the Infrastructure mode. More specifically,“Open System” or “Shared System” is selected by a user. Since thepresent embodiment uses the Adhoc mode, this item is unconcerned.“Encryption Type” specifies an encryption method to be adopted in awireless network. More specifically, there are “WEP40 (40 bits),”“WEP104,” “WPA-PSK” (effective only in the Infrastructure mode) and thelike. One of them is automatically selected as an initial setting, or isselected by a user in a wireless device. Herein, “WEP40” is selected asan initial setting of the wireless device. “Encryption Key” specifies akey used in encryption. The key length is different depending on theencryption means. The key may automatically be generated by a wirelessdevice, or may directly be inputted by a user. Herein assume that thewireless device automatically generates the key. Further, the followingitems are used in the “wireless parameter setting mode” for settingwireless parameters.

“ESSID for wireless parameter setting” is a network identifier to beadopted for establishing an Adhoc-mode wireless network in the “wirelessparameter setting mode.” Herein, an identifier “InitSetUp” is initiallyset. “Wireless CH for wireless parameter setting” similarly indicates achannel to be used in the “wireless parameter setting mode.” Some valuemay be set as an initial setting of this parameter, or a value mayrandomly be generated at the point of use. Herein, “7ch” is initiallyset. For the “wireless parameter setting capability attribute,” thereare two settings: a “provision capability” in which the self device(self station) provides wireless parameters to another station (targetstation), and a “receipt capability” in which the self device receiveswireless parameters from another station. For this parameter, both the“provision capability” and “receipt capability,” or the “provisioncapability” alone can be set. Herein assume that the “receiptcapability” alone cannot be set.

Assuming a combination of the DSC 501 and the printer 502, the printer502 is often shared by plural DSC users. Therefore, it is not preferableto frequently change the wireless parameters of the printer 502.Moreover, there are cases that a user takes along the DSC 501 for usingit not only at home but outside, and uses a printer elsewhere to printthe sensed images. Therefore, a rewriting operation of wirelessparameters more likely occurs in the DSC 501. In view of this, the“wireless parameter setting capability attribute” of the DSC 501 is setin the “provision capability” and “receipt capability,” and the“wireless parameter setting capability attribute” of the printer 502 isset in the “provision capability” alone (FIG. 9). The “wirelessparameter provision attribute” indicates whether or not the self stationis connected with the Adhoc wireless network or has a record of beingconnected with the network, in other words, whether or not the selfstation has “wireless parameters” that can be provided. Herein assumethat both the DSC 501 and the printer 502 do not have wirelessparameters (disenabled). Although the “wireless parameter provisionattribute” is “disenabled,” it only means that the device does notretain wireless parameters. Therefore, it is possible to newly generatewireless parameters and provide the parameters to the receiver side.Finally, the “wireless parameter setting identifier” is a uniqueidentifier employed in a wireless parameter setting procedure. Herein,the identifier has 48 bits (6 bytes). The identifier of the DSC 501 is“123456” (FIG. 8), and the identifier of the printer 502 is “123abc” (1text/byte) (FIG. 9).

FIG. 10 depicts an explanatory view of a wireless parameter settingmethod in the DSC 501 and the printer 502 of the wireless communicationsystem according to the present embodiment. Note herein that the DSC 501and the printer 502 store the information for setting wirelessparameters shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 respectively in the flash memory (613and 713).

The DSC 501 and the printer 502 begin the wireless parameter settingmode by, for instance, depressing a power button while depressing areset button, or depressing a start button provided for the “wirelessparameter setting mode.” Based on the setting that the “ESSID forwireless parameter setting” being set in “InitSetUp” and the “wirelessCH for wireless parameter setting” being set in “7ch,” the DSC 501 andthe printer 502 establish the wireless network connection in the Adhocmode. Note, in the wireless connection for wireless parameter setting,encryption may be performed by storing, as wireless parameters, anencryption method (Encryption Type) for wireless parameter setting and aparameter related to encryption (Encryption Key). However, descriptionsare provided on a case of not performing encryption.

Further note that the wireless parameter setting mode starting order ofthe device is no object. The device that has first started the wirelessparameter setting operation transmits the “Beacon” including “ESSID forwireless parameter setting” to establish a network, and shifts to thewireless parameter setting mode. The device that has next started thewireless parameter setting operation transmits a “Probe Request” to thedevice which has transmitted the “Beacon” including “ESSID for wirelessparameter setting.” When a “Probe Response” is received, the devicesearches for a network where the “ESSID for wireless parameter setting”is set in “InitSetUp.” Upon establishing the network connection, anoperation mode of the device shifts to the wireless parameter settingmode. Herein assume that the DSC 501 first starts the wireless parametersetting mode, then the printer 502 starts the wireless parameter settingmode.

An operation mode of the DSC 501 shifts to the wireless parametersetting mode by the foregoing procedure, and the DSC 501 establishes theAdhoc network where the “ESSID for wireless parameter setting” is set in“InitSetUp.” The printer 502, which detects the network, is connected to(incorporated into) the network and an operation mode of the printer 502shifts to the wireless parameter setting mode (S1001). Next, in S1002,the printer 502 which is connected to the network transmits a “wirelessparameter setting start request” that includes the following setting ofthe printer 502: the “wireless parameter setting capability attribute”being “provision capability,” the “wireless parameter provisionattribute” being “disenabled,” and the “wireless parameter settingidentifier” being “123abc.” The transmission destination may be the DSC501 alone or all devices connected to the network. Since only the DSC501 is connected to the network in this example, the DSC 501 which hasreceived the request stores in the flash memory 613 the setting: the“wireless parameter setting capability attribute” being “provisioncapability,” the “wireless parameter provision attribute” being“disenabled,” and the “wireless parameter setting identifier” being“123abc,” along with the identifier “MAC Address” of the printer 502,unique to the network. Then, the DSC 501 transmits a “wireless parametersetting start response” that includes the following setting of the DSC501: the “wireless parameter setting capability attribute” being“provision capability/receipt capability,” the “wireless parameterprovision attribute” being “disenabled,” and the “wireless parametersetting identifier” being “123456” (S1003). The transmission destinationis the sender of the “wireless parameter setting start request” (theprinter 502 in this example). As similar to the DSC 501, the printer 502stores in the flash memory 713 the information regarding wirelessparameter setting set in the DSC 501 along with the “MAC Address” of theDSC 501.

The DSC 501 and the printer 502, which have acquired the wirelessparameter setting information of one another, determine in S1004 whetheror not the self station can become a “wireless parameter provisiondevice.”

FIG. 11 is a flowchart describing the determination processing (S1004)of wireless parameter setting information in the DSC 501 according tothe present embodiment. The program that executes this processing isstored in the ROM 616 (or the flash memory 613) and is executed underthe control of the CPU 615.

The DSC 501, which has received from the printer 502 the wirelessparameter setting information of the printer 502, confirms the “wirelessparameter setting capability attribute” of the target station (hereinthe printer 502) in step S1101. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the“wireless parameter setting capability attribute” of the printer 502 is“provision capability”; thus the printer 502 has no “receiptcapability.” In this case, the control proceeds to step S1108, where theDSC 501 becomes a “wireless parameter reception device,” and thissetting is stored (S1005 in FIG. 10). Other control steps in FIG. 11will be described later in the following embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart describing determination processing of wirelessparameter setting information in the printer 502 according to thepresent embodiment. The program that executes this processing is storedin the ROM 716 (or the flash memory 713) and is executed under thecontrol of the CPU 715.

The printer 502, which has received from the DSC 501 the wirelessparameter setting information of the DSC 501, confirms the “wirelessparameter setting capability attribute” of the target station (hereinthe DSC 501) in step S1201. In this example the “wireless parametersetting capability attribute” of the DSC 501 is “provisioncapability/receipt capability.” Since the DSC 501 has a receiptcapability, the control proceeds to step S1209 to determine if the“wireless parameter provision attribute” is “enabled.” If “enabled,” thewireless parameters set in the self station are handled as the wirelessparameters to be transmitted to the target station. However, in thiscase, the “wireless parameter provision attribute” of the printer 502 is“disenabled”; thus the printer 502 does not have wireless parameters.Therefore, in step S1210, the printer 502 generates wireless parametersby itself. The items to be generated are “SSID,” “CH Number,” and“Encryption Key” shown in FIG. 9. The “SSID” must be a text stringhaving 32 bites or less; the “CH Number” must be a numeral in the rangeof 1 to 14; and the “Encryption Key” may be any text string having 5bytes or less since the “Encryption Type” is “WEP40.” According to thislimitation, wireless parameters are generated. Then, the fact that theprinter 502 has become a “wireless parameter provision device” is stored(S1206 in FIG. 12, S1006 in FIG. 10).

Meanwhile, in step S1201, if the “wireless parameter setting capabilityattribute” of the target station does not have a “receipt capability,”the control proceeds to step S1202 where it is determined if the“wireless parameter provision attribute” of the target station is“enabled.” If so, the control proceeds to step S1203 to determine if the“wireless parameter provision attribute” of the self station is“enabled.” If it is not “enabled,” the control proceeds to step S1205.If it is “enabled,” the control proceeds to step S1204 for comparing thesetting identifier of the self station with that of the target station.If the setting identifier of the target station is larger, the controlproceeds to step S1205, and the target station is set as a wirelessparameter provision device. If the setting identifier of the selfstation is larger, the control proceeds to step S1206, and the selfstation is set as a wireless parameter provision device.

In step S1202, if the “wireless parameter provision attribute” of thetarget station is not “enabled,” the control proceeds to step S1207 todetermine if the “wireless parameter provision attribute” of the selfstation is “enabled.” If it is “enabled,” the control proceeds to stepS1206. If it is not “enabled,” the control proceeds to step S1208 forcomparing the setting identifier of the self station with that of thetarget station. If the setting identifier of the target station islarger, the control proceeds to step S1205, and the target station isset as a wireless parameter provision device. If the setting identifierof the self station is larger, the control proceeds to step S1209, andthe aforementioned processing is executed.

The printer 502, which has become the “wireless parameter provisiondevice,” starts the timer for counting down a predetermined period(S1007 in FIG. 10), and waits for the predetermined period to respond toa “wireless parameter setting start request” from other devices in thenetwork that may become a “wireless parameter provision device.” After alapse of predetermined period, the printer 502 decides that there is nomore wireless device in the network that can transmit a “wirelessparameter setting start request.” The printer 502, which has become the“wireless parameter provision device,” transmits a “wireless parametersetting request” including the self-generated “wireless parameters” toall devices in the network (S1008). The device (herein the DSC 501)which receives the “wireless parameter setting request” reflects thereceived wireless parameters to the self station, and sets theparameters in the wireless communication controller 604 of the DSC 501.When this processing is normally completed, a “wireless parametersetting response” is transmitted to the printer 502 serving as a“wireless parameter provision device” (S1009). Then, the DSC 501 and theprinter 502 end the wireless parameter setting mode, and establish thenetwork in the Adhoc mode based on the new wireless parameters forconnection (S1010).

As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible toautomatically set common wireless parameters in the DSC and the printerwith a minimum user operation, and achieve wireless connection in theAdhoc mode without requiring a user operation, such as parameter input.

Second Embodiment

The foregoing first embodiment has been described in a construction of awireless communication system comprising a DSC and a printer, capable ofdata transmission by wireless connection in the Adhoc mode of the IEEE802.11 standard.

The second embodiment provides a wireless communication systemcomprising two DSCs 1301 and 1302 as shown in FIG. 13, capable of datatransmission by wireless connection in the Adhoc mode of the IEEE 802.11standard. In this system, the two DSCs 1301 and 1302 are wirelesslyconnected, and image data respectively sensed by the DSCs 1301 and 1302are transmitted wirelessly. The second embodiment also provides a methodthat enables automatic wireless parameter setting in the DSCs 1301 and1302 without requiring a user's input operation. As shown in FIG. 13,assume that there are no other wireless communication terminals besidesthese DSCs. Since the construction of the DSC according to the secondembodiment is identical to that of the first embodiment, descriptionthereof is omitted.

Further, assume that the “wireless parameter setting capabilityattribute” of both DSCs 1301 and 1302 is “provision capability/receiptcapability,” and the “wireless parameter provision attribute” of the DSC1301 is “enabled” while that of the DSC 1302 is “disenabled.”

The wireless parameter setting method according to the second embodimentis basically the same as that described in FIG. 10. Although FIG. 10shows communication between a DSC and a printer, the second embodimentexecutes communication between two DSCs.

The DSCs 1301 and 1302 start the “wireless parameter setting mode” inthe similar procedure to that of FIG. 10, and acquire the wirelessparameter setting information of one another to determine whether or notthe self station can be a “wireless parameter provision device (S1004).

Next, the wireless parameter setting information determinationprocessing (S1004) of the DSC 1301 according to the second embodiment isdescribed with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 11.

The DSC 1301, which has received from the DSC 1302 the wirelessparameter setting information of the DSC 1302, confirms the “wirelessparameter setting capability attribute” of the target station (hereinthe DSC 1302) in step S1101. In this example, the “wireless parametersetting capability attribute” of the DSC 1302 is “provisioncapability/receipt capability”; thus, the DSC 1302 has a receiptcapability. Since it is impossible to make determination based only onthis item, the control proceeds to step S1102 where the DSC 1301confirms the “wireless parameter provision attribute” of the targetstation (DSC 1302). Since the “wireless parameter provision attribute”of the DSC 1302 is “disenabled,” the control proceeds to step S1105 andthe DSC 1301 confirms if the “wireless parameter provision attribute” ofthe self station (DSC 1301) is “enabled.” Since the “wireless parameterprovision attribute” of the DSC 1301 is “enabled,” the control proceedsto step S1109. Then, the wireless parameters set in the self station(DSC 1301) are handled as the wireless parameters to be transmitted tothe target station (DSC 1302), and the fact that the DSC 1301 has becomea “wireless parameter provision device” is stored.

Further, the wireless parameter setting information determinationprocessing of the aforementioned target station (herein self station)(DSC 1302) is described with reference to FIG. 11.

The DSC 1302 (self station), which has received from the DSC 1301 thewireless parameter setting information of the DSC 1301 (target station),confirms the “wireless parameter setting capability attribute” of thetarget station (herein DSC 1301) in step S1101. In this example, the“wireless parameter setting capability attribute” of the target station(DSC 1301) is “provision capability/receipt capability”; thus, the DSC1301 has a receipt capability. The control proceeds to step S1102 wherethe DSC 1302 (self station) confirms the “wireless parameter provisionattribute” of the DSC 1301 (target station). Since the “wirelessparameter provision attribute” of the target station (DSC 1301) is“enabled” and that of the self station (DSC 1302) is “disenabled,” thecontrol proceeds to step S1108. Then, the fact that the self station(DSC 1302) has become the “wireless parameter reception device” isstored.

Thereafter, wireless parameters are transmitted from the “wirelessparameter provision device” (DSC 1301) to the “wireless parameterreception device” (DSC 1302) for wireless communication parametersetting. Since the method of realizing the Adhoc wireless connection isidentical to that of the first embodiment, description thereof isomitted.

Third Embodiment

The foregoing second embodiment has described a construction of awireless communication system comprising two DSCs, capable of datatransmission by wireless connection in the Adhoc mode of the IEEE 802.11standard. While in the second embodiment the “wireless parameter settingcapability attribute” is set in “provision capability/receiptcapability” and the “wireless parameter provision attribute” of the DSC1301 is “enabled” and that of the DSC 1302 is “disenabled,” the thirdembodiment describes a case where the “wireless parameter provisionattribute” of the two DSCs is “enabled.” Assume that the “wirelessparameter setting identifier” of the DSC 1301 is “123456” and that ofthe DSC 1302 is “456789.”

The wireless parameter setting method according to the third embodimentis described with reference to FIG. 10. Although FIG. 10 showscommunication between a DSC and a printer, the third embodiment executescommunication between two DSCs as similar to the second embodiment. Theconstruction of the DSC according to the third embodiment is similar tothat of the first embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, the DSCs 1301 and 1302 start the “wirelessparameter setting mode” in the similar procedure to that of FIG. 10, andacquire the wireless parameter setting information of one another todetermine whether or not the self station can be a “wireless parameterprovision device (S1004).

Next, the wireless parameter setting information determinationprocessing (S1004) of the DSC 1301 according to the third embodiment isdescribed with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 11.

The self station (DSC 1301), which has received from the target station(DSC 1302) the wireless parameter setting information of the DSC 1302,confirms the “wireless parameter setting capability attribute” of thetarget station (the DSC 1302) in step S1101. The “wireless parametersetting capability attribute” of the DSC 1302 is “provisioncapability/receipt capability”; thus, the DSC 1302 has a receiptcapability. Since it is impossible to make determination based only onthis item, the control proceeds to step S1102 where the DSC 1301confirms the “wireless parameter provision attribute” of the targetstation (DSC 1302). Since the “wireless parameter provision attribute”of the DSC 1302 is “enabled,” the control proceeds to step S1103. Sincethe “wireless parameter provision attribute” of the DSC 1301 is“enabled,” it is impossible to make determination based on this item.Therefore, the control proceeds to step S1104 for comparing the“wireless parameter setting identifier” (“456789”) of the target station(DSC 1302) with the “wireless parameter setting identifier” (“123456”)of the self station (DSC 1301). In this example, since the wirelessparameter setting identifier of the DSC 1301 is smaller, the controlproceeds to step S1108. The DSC 1301 determines that the target stationis the provision device and the self station is the “wireless parameterreception device.” Then, the fact that the DSC 1301 has become a“wireless parameter reception device” is stored (S1006).

Meanwhile, in step S1102, if the “wireless parameter provisionattribute” of the target station (DSC 1302) is not “enabled,” thecontrol proceeds to step S1105 to determine if the “wireless parameterprovision attribute” of the self station (DSC 1301) is “enabled.” If itis not “enabled,” the control proceeds to step S1106 for comparing the“wireless parameter setting identifier” (“456789”) of the target station(DSC 1302) with the “wireless parameter setting identifier” (“123456”)of the self station (DSC 1301). In this example, since the identifier ofthe target station is larger, the control proceeds to step S1108. TheDSC 1301 decides that the target station is the provision device and theself station is the “wireless parameter reception device.” Then, thefact that the DSC 1301 has become a “wireless parameter receptiondevice” is stored (S1006). However, in step S1106, if the “wirelessparameter setting identifier” of the self station (DSC 1301) is largerthan that of the target station (DSC 1302), wireless parameters aregenerated in step S1107. Then in step S1109, the self station (DSC 1301)is stored as a wireless parameter provision device.

Further, the wireless parameter setting information determinationprocessing of the target station (DSC 1302) according to the thirdembodiment is described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 11. Notesince the following description provides processing performed by the DSC1302, the DSC 1302 is referred to as a self station and the DSC 1301 isreferred to as a target station.

The self station (DSC 1302), which has received from the target station(DSC 1301) the wireless parameter setting information of the DSC 1301,confirms the “wireless parameter setting capability attribute” of thetarget station (DSC 1301) in step S1101. In this example, the “wirelessparameter setting capability attribute” of the target station (DSC 1301)is “provision capability/receipt capability”; thus, the DSC 1301 has areceipt capability. Since it is impossible to make determination basedonly on this item, the control proceeds to step S1102 where the DSC 1302confirms the “wireless parameter provision attribute” of the targetstation (DSC 1301). Since the “wireless parameter provision attribute”of the target station (DSC 1301) is “enabled”, the control proceeds tostep S1103 to determine if the “wireless parameter provision attribute”of the DSC 1302 is “enabled.” Since it is “enabled” and it is impossibleto make determination based on this item, the control proceeds to stepS1104 for comparing the “wireless parameter setting identifier”(“123456”) of the target station (DSC 1301) with the “wireless parametersetting identifier” (“456789”) of the self station. In this example,since the wireless parameter setting identifier of the self station (DSC1302) is larger, the control proceeds to step S1109. The DSC 1302determines that the self station is the “wireless parameter provisiondevice.” Since the “wireless parameter provision attribute” of the DSC1302 is “enabled,” the wireless parameters set in the self station (DSC1302) are handled as the wireless parameters to be transmitted to theother device. Then, the fact that the self station has become a“wireless parameter provision device” is stored (S1006 in FIG. 10).

In the third embodiment, the “wireless parameter setting capabilityattribute” of the two devices is both set in “provisioncapability/receipt capability.” Also in a case where the “wirelessparameter setting capability attribute” is both set in “provisioncapability,” the similar procedure is performed.

Moreover, in the third embodiment, the “wireless parameter provisionattribute” of the two devices is both “enabled.” Also in a case wherethe “wireless parameter provision attribute” is both “disenabled,”similar steps are taken for determining the “wireless parameterprovision device.” The “wireless parameter” generation means (S1107 inFIG. 11) provided by the “wireless parameter provision device” issimilar to the first embodiment.

The method of transmitting the wireless parameters from the “wirelessparameter provision device” to the “wireless parameter reception device”and realizing the Adhoc wireless connection thereafter is similar tothat of the first embodiment. Therefore, description thereof is omitted.

Fourth Embodiment

The foregoing embodiments have described a wireless communication systemcapable of data transmission by one-on-one wireless connection in theAdhoc mode of the IEEE 802.11 standard.

The fourth embodiment provides a wireless communication systemcomprising three or more devices as shown in FIG. 14, capable of datatransmission by wireless connection in the Adhoc mode of the IEEE 802.11standard.

FIG. 14 depicts an explanatory view showing a construction of a wirelesscommunication system comprising DSCs 1401 and 1402 as well as a printer1403, capable of data transmission by wireless connection in the Adhocmode of the IEEE 802.11 standard.

The following items are used in the “wireless parameter setting mode”for setting wireless parameters of respective devices. First, the“wireless parameter setting capability attribute” of the DSC 1401 is“provision capability/receipt capability,” the “wireless parameterprovision attribute” of the DSC 1401 is “enabled,” and the “wirelessparameter setting identifier” of the DSC 1401 is “123456.” The “wirelessparameter setting capability attribute” of the DSC 1402 is “provisioncapability/receipt capability,” the “wireless parameter provisionattribute” of the DSC 1402 is “disenabled,” and the “wireless parametersetting identifier” of the DSC 1402 is “456789.” The “wireless parametersetting capability attribute” of the printer 1403 is “provisioncapability,” the “wireless parameter provision attribute” of the printer1403 is “disenabled,” and the “wireless parameter setting identifier” ofthe printer 1403 is “abcdef.”

In this construction, assume that the starting order of the wirelessparameter setting mode is the DSC 1401, the DSC 1402, and the printer1403. Hereinafter, the sequence shown in FIG. 15 is described.

FIG. 15 depicts an explanatory view of a wireless parameter settingmethod in the DSCs 1401 and 1402 as well as the printer 1403 of thewireless communication system (FIG. 14) according to the fourthembodiment.

According to the procedure similar to that of the above-described firstand second embodiments, in the DSC 1401 and the DSC 1402, the DSC 1401becomes a “wireless parameter provision device” while the DSC 1402becomes a “wireless parameter reception device” (S1501 to S1507). Thesteps S1501 to S1507 in FIG. 15 are similar to S1001 to S1007 in FIG.10. The printer 1403, which then starts the wireless parameter settingmode after start of the timer counting of the DSC 1401, transmits a“wireless parameter setting start request” (S1508).

Since the DSC 1402 is a “wireless parameter reception device,” it doesnot respond. The DSC 1401 stops counting of the timer which is inoperation (S1507), and transmits a “wireless parameter setting startresponse” to the printer 1403 (S1509). Thereafter, processing similar tothat of the first embodiment (FIG. 10) is performed to determine a“wireless parameter provision device” between the DSC 1401 and theprinter 1403. As a result, the printer 1403 becomes the “wirelessparameter provision device” while the DSC 1401 becomes the “wirelessparameter reception device” (S1510 to S1513). The printer 1403, whichhas become the “wireless parameter provision device,” transmits a“wireless parameter setting request” to all devices in the network(S1514).

The devices (herein the DSCs 1401 and 1402) which receive the “wirelessparameter setting request” reflect the received wireless parameters tothe self station, and set the parameters in the wireless communicationcontroller 604. When this processing is normally completed, the DSCs1401 and 1402 respectively transmit a “wireless parameter settingresponse” to the printer 1403 serving as a “wireless parameter provisiondevice” (S1515). In this manner, the DSCs 1401, 1402, and the printer1403 can perform communication in the Adhoc mode (S1516). Since themethod of the Adhoc wireless connection is similar to that of the firstembodiment, description thereof is omitted.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, even in a casewhere there are three or more wireless communication devices including aDSC and a printer in the network, it is possible to automatically setwireless parameters in the DSC and the printer with a minimum useroperation, and achieve wireless connection in the Adhoc mode withoutrequiring a user operation, such as parameter input.

Fifth Embodiment

The foregoing third embodiment has described a wireless communicationsystem comprising two DSCs 1301 and 1302 whose settings are as follows:both of their “wireless parameter setting capability attributes” are“provision capability/receipt capability,” both of their “wirelessparameter provision attributes” are “enabled,” and the “wirelessparameter setting identifiers” are different for each of the DSCs. Inthe case of the above-described embodiment, there was no problem even ifa user does not know which DSC's wireless parameters are setautomatically.

In comparison, the fifth embodiment describes a method of settingwireless parameters of a user-intended DSC (objective DSC) in anotherDSC. Assume that the items used in the “wireless parameter setting mode”of respective devices are identical to those of the third embodiment.The following description is provided on a case where the wirelessparameters of the DSC 1302 are set in the DSC 1301.

First, the wireless parameter setting capability attribute of the DSC1302 is set in the “provision capability.” To set it, for instance, a“manual mode” is provided in the “wireless parameter setting mode” sothat a user can arbitrarily set the “wireless parameter provisiondevice” or the “wireless parameter reception device.” More specifically,the input/output functions such as the console 610 and the display 606of the DSC 1302 are used for selecting the “manual setting mode” andsetting the self station for “operating as a wireless parameterprovision device.” By this operation, “operating only as a wirelessparameter provision device” is set as the “wireless parameter settingcapability attribute” of the DSC 1302.

Next, the DSC 1301 is similarly set in a way that it only operates as awireless parameter reception device. By this operation, “operating onlyas a wireless parameter reception device” is set as the “wirelessparameter setting capability attribute” of the DSC 1301. Then, thesimilar processing to that of the first embodiment is performed to startthe “wireless parameter setting mode” in the DSCs 1301 and 1302. TheDSCs 1301 and 1302 acquire the wireless parameter setting information ofone another to determine whether or not the self station can become a“wireless parameter provision device.”

FIG. 16 is a flowchart describing determination processing of a wirelessparameter provision device in the DSC of the communication systemaccording to the fifth embodiment. Assume herein that the “wirelessparameter setting capability attribute” of the DSC 1301 is set in“operating only as a wireless parameter reception device,” and the“wireless parameter setting capability attribute” of the DSC 1302 is setin “operating only as a wireless parameter provision device.”

In the case of DSC 1301, the determination in step S1601 for “whether ornot the self station operates only as a provision device” results in NO.Then the process proceeds to step S1607, the self station is decided as“operating only as a wireless parameter reception device.” Next, in stepS1608, since the target station (DSC 1302) is a device which is“operating only as a wireless parameter provision device,” thedetermination results in NO and the process proceeds to step S1609. Inthe step S1609, the DSC 1301 (self station) is set as a “wirelessparameter reception device” and the setting is stored. Then, the controlends.

In the case of DSC 1302, the determination in step S1601 for “whether ornot the self station operates only as a provision device” results inYES. The process proceeds to step S1602, and it is determined whether ornot the target station (DSC 1301) “operates only as a wireless parameterprovision device.” Since the determination results in NO, the controlproceeds to step S1603 for determining whether or not the wirelessparameter provision attribute of the self station is enabled. If YES,the control proceeds to step S1605 and the self station is set as awireless parameter provision device which transmits the stored wirelessparameters to the target station, and the setting is stored. Meanwhile,in step S1603, if the wireless parameter provision attribute of the selfstation (DSC 1302) is not enabled, the control proceeds to step S1604where the self station (DSC 1302) generates the wireless parameters. Instep S1605, the fact that the self station is a provision device fortransmitting the generated parameters to the target station is storedand transmitted.

If, for instance, the “wireless parameter setting capability attributes”of both the DSCs 1301 and 1302 are “operating only as a wirelessparameter provision device,” the control proceeds from step S1602 toS1606. Meanwhile, if the “wireless parameter setting capabilityattribute” of the target station is “operating only as a wirelessparameter reception device,” the control proceeds from step S1608 toS1606. In step S1606, the connection is disapproved (setting failed),and the connection disapproval is notified to the user.

The DSC 1301 which has become the “wireless parameter reception device”in the foregoing manner stands by for a “wireless parameter settingrequest.” Meanwhile, the DSC 1302 which has become the “wirelessparameter provision device” transmits a “wireless parameter settingrequest” to the DSC 1301. The DSC 1301 which receives the “wirelessparameter setting request” reflects the received wireless parameters tothe self station (DSC 1301), and performs setting on the wirelesscommunication controller 604 of the DSC 1301. When this processing isnormally completed, the DSC 1301 transmits a “wireless parameter settingresponse” to the DSC 1302 serving as a “wireless parameter provisiondevice.” Since the method of establishing the Adhoc wireless connectionthereafter is identical to that of the first embodiment, descriptionthereof is omitted.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, it is possible toperform automatic wireless parameter setting with a minimum useroperation in a communication-target device (target station) based on auser's intended device without requiring a user operation, such asparameter input. According to the wireless communication parameters setin this manner, wireless communication in the Adhoc mode is realized.

Note although the fifth embodiment has described a case of wirelesscommunication between two DSCs, it is also possible in a wirelesscommunication system comprising a printer and a DSC to reflect wirelessparameters of the DSC to the printer.

Sixth Embodiment

The fifth embodiment has described a case where wireless parameters of auser's intended DSC are set in another DSC. This is realized bydesignating one of the devices to operate as a “wireless parameterprovision device,” and designating the other device to operate as a“wireless parameter reception device.”

In comparison, the sixth embodiment describes a method of reflecting auser's designation to one of the devices only. The system constructionis similar to that of the third and fifth embodiments. Assume that theitems used in the “wireless parameter setting mode” of respectivedevices are identical to those of the third embodiment. Also assume thatthe wireless parameters of the DSC 1302 are set in the DSC 1301 in thewireless communication system shown in FIG. 13.

First, the input/output functions such as the console 610 and thedisplay 606 of the DSC 1302 are used for selecting the “manual settingmode,” then further setting “preferentially selecting the self stationas a wireless parameter provision device.” To describe this operationmore specifically, “FFFFFF” is set for the “wireless parameter settingidentifier.” In the DSC 1301, no specific operation is performed.

Then, the similar processing to that of the first embodiment isperformed to start the “wireless parameter setting mode” in the DSCs1301 and 1302. The DSCs 1301 and 1302 acquire the wireless parametersetting information of one another to determine whether or not the selfstation can become a “wireless parameter provision device.” Thereafterthe similar processing to that of the third embodiment is performed.

Referring to the flowchart in FIG. 11, in the case of the DSC 1301,since the target station (DSC 1302) is preferentially selected as awireless parameter provision device, the determination in step S1101results in NO and the control proceeds to step S1108. In step S1108, thetarget station (DSC 1302) is set as a parameter provision device.

Meanwhile, in the case of the DSC 1302, since the target station (DSC1301) is a wireless parameter reception device, the determination instep S1101 results in YES and the control proceeds to step S1102. If thewireless parameter provision attribute of the target station (DSC 1301)is “enabled,” the control proceeds to step S1103. Since the wirelessparameter provision attribute of the self station (DSC 1302) is“enabled,” the control proceeds to step S1104. In step S1104, thewireless parameter identifier of the target station (DSC 1301) iscompared with the wireless parameter identifier (FFFFFF) of the selfstation (DSC 1302). In this case, since the wireless parameteridentifier (FFFFFF) of the self station (DSC 1302) is apparently larger,the control proceeds to step S1109. The self station (DSC 1302) is setas a wireless parameter provision device.

According to the determination made based on the “wireless parametersetting identifiers” in the foregoing manner, the DSC 1302 becomes thewireless parameter provision device while the DSC 1301 becomes thewireless parameter reception device.

The DSC 1301 which has become the “wireless parameter reception device”stands by for a “wireless parameter setting request.” The DSC 1302 whichhas become the “wireless parameter provision device” transmits a“wireless parameter setting request” to the DSC 1301. The DSC 1301 whichreceives the “wireless parameter setting request” reflects the receivedwireless parameters to the self station (DSC 1301), and performs settingon the wireless communication controller 604 of the DSC 1301. When thisprocessing is normally completed, the DSC 1301 transmits a “wirelessparameter setting response” to the DSC 1302 serving as a “wirelessparameter provision device.” The method of establishing the Adhocwireless connection is identical to that of the first embodiment.

As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, it is possible toperform automatic wireless parameter setting with a minimum useroperation in a communication-target station based on a user's intendeddevice without requiring a user operation, such as parameter input. Inthis manner, wireless communication in the Adhoc mode is realized.

The means described in the sixth embodiment is particularly effective ina case where the communication-target station is not fully equipped withinput/output means.

Other Embodiments

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention are providedabove, the present invention may be applied to a system constituted by aplurality of devices, or a stand-alone apparatus.

Note, the present invention can also be achieved by directly or remotelyproviding a software program, which realizes the above-describedfunctions of the embodiments, to a computer system or apparatus, thenreading the supplied program by a computer of the system or apparatus,and executing the program. In this case, as long as it functions as aprogram, the form is not limited to a program.

Therefore, to realize the functions of the present invention by acomputer, the program codes themselves installed in the computer alsoconstitute the invention. In other words, the claims of the presentinvention include a computer program itself for realizing the functionsof the present invention. In this case, as long as it functions as aprogram, the form of program may be of object codes, a program executedby an interpreter, script data supplied to an OS, or the like.

Various media can be used as a recording medium for supplying a program.For instance, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, anoptical disk, a magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, amagnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, ROM, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-R) andthe like can be used.

Furthermore, for a program supplying method, a program can be suppliedby accessing a home page of the Internet using a browser of a clientcomputer and downloading a program from the home page to a recordingmedium such as a hard disk. In this case, the downloaded program may beof a computer program according to the present invention, or acompressed file including an automatic installer. Moreover, the programcodes constituting the program according to the present invention may bedivided into plural files, and each of the plural files may bedownloaded from different home pages. In other words, the claims of thepresent invention also include a WWW server which allows plural users todownload the program file that realizes the functions of the presentinvention using a computer.

Still further, the program according to the present invention may beencrypted and stored in a storage medium, e.g., CD-ROM, for userdistribution. In this case, a user who satisfies a predeterminedcondition is allowed to download key data for decryption from a homepageon the Internet, and the encrypted program is installed in a computer inan executable form using the key data.

Still further, besides aforesaid functions according to the aboveembodiments are realized by executing the program read by a computer,the present invention can be realized in other forms. For instance, thefunctions according to the above embodiments can be realized by an OS(operating system) or the like working on the computer that performspart or the entire processes in accordance with designations of theprogram.

Furthermore, the program read from the recording medium may be writtenin a function expansion card which is inserted into a computer or in amemory provided in a function expansion unit which is connected to thecomputer. In this case, the functions according to the above embodimentscan be realized by a CPU or the like contained in the function expansioncard or unit, which performs part or the entire processes in accordancewith designations of the program.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments andvarious changes and modifications can be made within the spirit andscope of the present invention. Therefore, to apprise the public of thescope of the present invention, the following claims are made.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.2005-130476 filed on Apr. 27, 2005, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

1. A communication system having communication terminals, wherein eachcommunication terminal comprises: a storage unit configured to store adevice capability attribute indicating at least one of a provisioncapability of a communication parameter and a receipt capability of thecommunication parameter, and provision attribute information indicatingwhether the communication terminal is in a state in which thecommunication terminal can provide the communication parameter toanother communication terminal, wherein the communication parameter isused to configure a network between communication terminals andindicates an encryption method for encrypting data to be communicatedvia the network, and the provision capability indicates a capability inwhich the communication terminal can provide the communication parameterto another communication terminal and the receipt capability indicates acapability in which a communication terminal can receive thecommunication parameter from another communication terminal; a unitconfigured to select, as a provision device for providing thecommunication parameter to another communication terminal, acommunication terminal storing the device capability attributeindicating the provision capability; a unit configured to preferentiallyselect, as the provision device, a communication terminal storing thedevice capability attribute indicating only the provision capability ifthere are a plurality of communication terminals storing the devicecapability attribute indicating the provision capability; and a unitconfigured to select, as the provision device, a communication terminalstoring the provision attribute information indicating a state in whichthe communication terminal can provide the communication parameter toanother communication terminal, if the device capability attribute ofeach communication terminal is equal, wherein the communicationparameter is provided from the communication terminal selected as theprovision device, to other communication terminals in the communicationsystem.
 2. A system according to claim 1, wherein each storage unitfurther stores a setting identifier of the communication parameterunique to the communication terminal.
 3. A system according to claim 2,further comprising a unit configured to select a communication terminalto be the provision device based on a comparison of setting identifiersstored in the communication terminals, if the device capabilityattribute of each communication terminal is equal.
 4. A system accordingto claim 2, wherein each communication terminal further comprises asetting unit configured to input and set the setting identifier.
 5. Asystem according to claim 1, wherein each communication terminal furthercomprises a unit configured to prohibit the communication terminal fromproviding the communication parameter to a communication terminal otherthan one or more communication terminals defined by a device limitationitem for limiting one or more communication terminals to be providedwith the communication parameter, if the device capability attributeincludes the device limitation item.
 6. A communication apparatuscomprising: a storage unit configured to store a device capabilityattribute indicating at least one of a provision capability of acommunication parameter and a receipt capability of the communicationparameter, and provision attribute information indicating whether thecommunication terminal is in a state in which the communication terminalcan provide the communication parameter to another communicationterminal, wherein the communication parameter is used to configure anetwork between communication terminals and indicates an encryptionmethod for encrypting data to be communicated via the network, and theprovision capability indicates a capability in which the communicationterminal can provide the communication parameter to anothercommunication terminal and the receipt capability indicates a capabilityin which a communication terminal can receive the communicationparameter from another communication terminal; an identifying unitconfigured to identify the device capability attribute and the provisionattribute information of a target communication terminal; a firstsetting unit configured to set in accordance with the provisionattribute information of the communication apparatus, a thecommunication apparatus as the provision device for providing thecommunication parameter to another communication terminal, if adetermination is made, based on the device capability attribute, thatthe target communication terminal has the receipt capability; and asecond setting unit configured to set the target communication terminalas the provision device, if a determination is made, based on the devicecapability attribute, that the target communication terminal does nothave the receipt capability, wherein the communication parameter isprovided from the communication apparatus to the target communicationterminal, if the communication apparatus is set as the provision deviceby the first setting unit, and the communication parameter is providedfrom the target communication terminal to the communication apparatus,if the target communication terminal is set as the provision device bythe second setting unit.
 7. An apparatus according to claim 6, whereinsaid storage unit further stores a setting identifier of thecommunication parameter unique to said communication apparatus.
 8. Anapparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a unit configured todecide the provision device based on a comparison of the settingidentifier of the communication apparatus and a setting identifier ofthe target communication terminal, if the device capability attribute ofthe target communication terminal is equal to the device capabilityattribute of the communication apparatus.
 9. An apparatus according toclaim 7, further comprising a setting unit configured to input and setthe setting identifier.
 10. An apparatus according to claim 6, furthercomprising a unit configured to prohibit providing of the communicationparameter to a communication terminal other than one or morecommunication terminals defined by a device limitation item, if thedevice capability attribute includes the device limitation item.
 11. Anapparatus according to claim 6, wherein said communication apparatusperforms direct communication with the communication terminal without anintermediation of a specific base station serving as a main body ofnetwork administration.
 12. An apparatus according to claim 6, furthercomprising an informing unit configured to inform the targetcommunication terminal of the device capability attribute and theprovision attribute information of the communication apparatus, whereinthe target communication terminal also can perform setting of theprovision device or a reception device for receiving the communicationparameter from another communication terminal.
 13. A method of receivinga communication parameter via a network from a communication terminal toset the communication parameter of another communication terminal, themethod comprising: storing in a memory a device capability attributeindicating at least one of a provision capability of a communicationparameter and a receipt capability of the communication parameter, andprovision attribute information indicating whether a communicationterminal is in a state in which the communication terminal can providethe communication parameter to another communication terminal, whereinthe communication parameter is used to configure a network betweencommunication terminals and indicates an encryption method forencrypting data to be communicated via the network, and the provisioncapability indicates a capability in which the communication terminalcan provide the communication parameter to another communicationterminal and the receipt capability indicates a capability in which acommunication terminal can receive the communication parameter fromanother communication terminal; selecting, as a provision device forproviding the communication parameter to another communication terminal,a communication terminal storing the device capability attributeindicating the provision capability; if there are a plurality ofcommunication terminals storing device capability attributes indicatingthe provision capability preferentially selecting, as the provisiondevice, a communication terminal storing the device capability attributeindicating only the provision capability; and if the device capabilityattributes of the plurality of communication terminals are equal,selecting, as the provision device, a communication terminal storing theprovision attribute information indicating a state in which thecommunication terminal can provide the communication parameter toanother communication terminal, wherein the communication parameter isprovided from the communication terminal selected as the provisiondevice, to other communication terminals in a communication system. 14.A method according to claim 13, wherein the memory further stores asetting identifier of the communication parameter unique to eachcommunication terminal.
 15. A method according to claim 14, furthercomprising, if the device capability attributes of the plurality ofcommunication terminals are equal, selecting a communication terminal tobe the provision device based on a comparison of setting identifiers ofthe communication parameters of the plurality of communicationterminals.
 16. A method according to claim 14, further comprisinginputting and setting the setting identifier.
 17. A method according toclaim 13, further comprising the step of, if the device capabilityattribute includes a device limitation item for limiting one or morecommunication terminals to be provided with the communication parameter,prohibiting communication terminal from providing the communicationparameter to a communication terminal other than the one or morecommunication terminals defined by the device limitation item.